Health Screening: Finding Health Problems Early

Screening in adults is intended to identify diseases that may develop as you age. Routine checkups and screening are important to stay in good health.

How often women have the following tests depends on age, health, and things that make a specific disease more likely.

Tests that may be done include:

• Reference Alcohol abuse (misuse) screening.
• Reference Blood pressure screening.
• Reference Breast cancer screening.
• Reference Cervical cancer screening.
• Reference Cholesterol screening.
• Reference Colorectal cancer screening.
• Reference Coronary artery disease risk screening.
• Reference Dental checkup.
• Reference Depression screening.
• Reference Hearing tests.
• Reference HIV test.
• Reference Osteoporosis screening.
• Reference Sexually transmitted infection screening.
• Reference Skin cancer screening.
• Reference Thyroid disease screening.
• Reference Tuberculosis screening.
• Reference Type 2 diabetes screening.
• Reference Vision tests and Reference glaucoma screening.
• Reference Weight.

Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant may be screened for Reference genetic conditions Opens New Window, Reference gestational diabetes, Reference sexually transmitted infections Opens New Window, and other conditions. For more information, see the topic Reference Pregnancy.

Your age and tests

Some tests are only done at certain ages.

• Before age 65, screening for osteoporosis isn't generally recommended. If you have Reference risk factors, talk to your doctor about when to start screening.
• For a screening checklist for women age 50 and older, see www.ahrq.gov/ppip/women50.htm.

Deciding about tests

It can be hard to decide whether you want to be screened for certain diseases or which type of test is best used. Combine medical information with your personal values to make a wise health decision.

Opens New Window Breast Cancer Screening: When Should I Start Having Mammograms? Opens New Window

Opens New Window Colon Cancer: Which Screening Test Should I Have? Opens New Window

Opens New Window HIV Testing: Should I Get Tested for Human Immunodeficiency Virus? Opens New Window

Opens New Window Osteoporosis: Should I Have a Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Test? Opens New Window

Opens New Window Pregnancy: Should I Have CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling)? Opens New Window

Opens New Window STI Testing: Should I Get Tested for a Sexually Transmitted Infection? Opens New Window

Sometimes doctors automatically schedule routine tests because they think that's what patients expect. But sometimes research shows that testing may not be useful or worth the risks or costs. For more information, see Reference Heart Tests: When Do You Need Them?

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.